Upper Bucks County Technical School and Patrick Chrinko Named zSpace School and Educator of Distinction

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- zSpace (NASDAQ: ZSPC) (“”zSpace” or the “Company”), a leading provider of augmented and virtual reality solutions for education, today announced that Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS) has been named a zSpace School of Distinction, and automotive instructor Patrick Chrinko recognized as a zSpace educator of Distinction for their leadership in integrating immersive technology into career and technical education (CTE). The honors reflect UBCTS’s innovative use of AR/VR to enhance student engagement and workforce readiness.

This honor highlights a bold initiative launched in 2020, when UBCTS Executive Director Dr. Michael Herrera introduced zSpace's AR/VR platform to combat learning loss during the pandemic and reimagine hands-on learning for hybrid and remote environments.

“When schools shut down in 2020, we didn’t just adapt—we accelerated,” said Dr. Herrera. “We knew immersive, interactive technology would be key to sustaining student learning in CTE. zSpace allowed us to keep students engaged, safe, and progressing toward real careers—even during a global crisis.”

Transforming Automotive Education Through AR/VR

While Dr. Herrera set the strategic vision, instructor Patrick Chrinko brought it to life. A leader in immersive instruction, Chrinko transformed the school’s automotive lab into an interactive learning environment where students engage with complex systems—like engine mechanics and electrical circuits—before ever touching a physical vehicle.

“zSpace has revolutionized how I teach,” Chrinko said. “My students don’t just learn about engines—they’re immersed in them. They gain visual, hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world diagnostics and decision-making.”

Compared to traditional PowerPoint-based instruction, Chrinko’s AR/VR-based teaching model is more efficient, engaging, and impactful. Students can simulate tool use, diagnose virtual system malfunctions, and build practical knowledge in a safe, interactive environment.

See this transformation firsthand in these short videos that captures UBCTS students exploring careers through immersive technology:
YouTube – Exploring Careers with zSpace at UBCTS
Revolutionizing Automotive Education Using zSpace AR/VR

A Model for Future-Ready CTE

UBCTS has quickly become a statewide model for how immersive technology can elevate career readiness. The school uses zSpace not only to enhance curriculum and improve safety but also to support recruitment and advocacy.